I get fellow writers who write and ask me questions all the time. I try and answer every one of them that I receive on the blog but, I also get asked questions in other forums that never make it to the blog. Some of them are interesting, some are ridiculous but none the less they all deserve an answer.

It is with this in mind that today’s column will be a personal question and answer session so I can give you guys my thoughts on some of the questions I get asked every day. I hope some of it helps…or at least makes you giggle a little.

Q: How long have you been a writer?

A: For as long as I can remember. My grandmother gave me a little note book when I was 4 and I wrote my first story in it. I am pretty sure that it didn’t actually say anything but my grandmother made a big production out of reading it and thus began my addiction to the spotlight.

Q: Do you write for yourself or the money?

A: I write for both at this point in my career and any writer that tells you different is yanking your chain. A friend of mine once gave me a little sign that still is in a drawer around here. It says, “Writing is like prostitution – first you do it for the love of it, then you do it for the money.” That can be kind of true.

Q – Why did you become a writer?

A – It is all I have ever done. Every job I have ever had has led back to writing.

Q-What was the first thing you had published?

A- I was 9 years old and Highlights Magazine paid me $4 for a short story about our dog. I have been writing ever since.

Q- What is the hardest part of being a writer?

A – People tend to think that you are the last person who should get paid for your work. I think because it’s writing, many people just don’t think of it as a solid service.

Q – What is the best thing about being a writer?

A – Writing. I am one of those people who couldn’t function if I couldn’t write.

Q – Is it easy to get published?

A – No it isn’t. You have to be persistent. I know that a lot of people think that you just need to write a great book to get published but that’s not the hardest part. The hardest part is sticking with it even when people tell you your book is no good. Some of the best authors in the world have had to deal with rejection.

Q – What is the best advice you have for new writers?

A – The best advice I have is to write all the time. Persistence is half the job. The more you write the better a writer you will be. Don’t give up if it is what you are truly passionate about.

So there you go, some Q & A from a person is still has some of their facilities despite having been a writer for over 30 years. If you have a question that I didn’t address, feel free to put it in the comment section and I will gladly answer it.

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